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How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When a neuron sends a message to another neuron, it makes use of neurotransmitters, chemicals. They need to travel through a tiny gap known as a synapse.
Certain ADHD medications increase the efficiency of these messages. They either assist neurons in the release of more neurotransmitters or slow the process of reuptake (called reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors start people with ADHD with a small dose of medication and then observe their reactions. They alter the dosage as they go along to determine an "sweet place" -the lowest dose that provides an immediate improvement in symptoms and minimal side effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, the first medication that doctors use to treat ADHD children, is usually Methylphenidate. It helps by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in kids' brains which aids them in focusing and pay attention. It also decreases their impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is important to remember that methylphenidate must only be taken with an appointment with a doctor since it is a controlled drug.
The most well-known methylphenidate drug is Ritalin. It's available in immediate-release tablets (Ritalin, Concerta, or Quillichew ER) chewable tablets with a long-acting mechanism (Cotempla XR-ODT or Adhansia XR) or long-acting capsules (Adhansia PM or Jornay PM). Some versions of the medication contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener) which can be harmful for those suffering from Phenylketonuria, a genetic condition that causes severe intellectual disabilities. Inform your doctor if you or your child have food allergies.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate can reduce aberrant activity, particularly in the accumbens nucleus as well as a network of brain networks that are involved in regulating adaptive control. This could explain why methylphenidate is considered to be one of the most effective drugs for treating ADHD.
The effects of stimulants can be averted that include the loss of appetite and sleepiness, stomach upset headache, anxiety, disturbances, and tics. They aren't common, but they could be serious. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. You should also tell your doctor if you or your child has allergies or a history of heart disease or depression, bipolar disorder, or any other mental health issues such as glaucoma, a history of seizures or stroke or if you're taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, or phenelzine (Nardil). It is important to take methylphenidate as prescribed by your physician.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines can help you focus your thoughts and avoid distractions by speeding up the communication between brain cells. They are the most commonly used medications used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. Amphetamines are available both in short-acting (immediate-release) and intermediate or long-acting varieties. They can be taken either orally or via injection.
Some people have a tough to deal with the negative side effects of stimulant medications including insomnia, restlessness, or an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and adjust the dosage to find the best one for you. Some people may need to take a mixture of medications to get the desired effects.
The effects of stimulants are mediated by two neurotransmitters that are essential to the pre-frontal cortex, which is the brain part which regulates your emotions and regulate your behavior. These drugs are used to treat a range of mental health problems, including ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The most popular types of stimulant drugs are methylphenidates and amphetamines. The FDA has approved a variety of brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They are available in various types, from short-acting up to long-acting. They are injected either orally or via injection. Amphetamines can be abused by teenagers who take them to stay awake and focus for tests or by truck drivers and students who need more energy for endurance sports. Amphetamines may cause psychological and physical problems when used improperly, especially in higher doses.
Non-stimulant medications can also be effective for treating ADHD. These include atomoxetine clonidine and Guanfacine. They are in the same class as antidepressants and belong to the norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists classes. They work on the same chemicals as stimulants, but they are less likely to make more tics and cause problems for people with Tourette's syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medicines are prescribed to treat children and teenagers with ADHD. They can be taken through the mouth or applied to the skin. They are available as pills that can be chewed or swallowed and capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food items, and liquid patches. These drugs are usually only available on prescription. These include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin (Concerta, Focalin (Daytrana), andamphetamines, (Adderall (Dexedrine, Vyvanse)). Short-acting stimulants perform quickly and last for about 3 to 6 hours.
These medications alleviate symptoms for 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD. They reduce the tendency to fidget and interruptions, and make it easier to finish tasks. They also help improve academic performance and relationships. They can't correct the root issues that cause ADHD. It's crucial to combine them with behavioral therapy.
It's important to know that ADHD medication can cause side effects. They can make you sleepy or cranky, and can affect your sleep. These effects are usually mild, and they disappear once the medication is gone from your system. Your doctor will probably recommend taking a small dose at first and then gradually increase the dosage. They will be watching you or your child to see if there are any problems with the medication.
Finding the appropriate medication for your child or yourself might take some time. It is recommended to speak openly with your health care provider. They may suggest an increase in the amount of medication that you or your child takes or if any medication is required at any time. They may also want to know whether you or your child have any other medical or mental issues.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants manage ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. This increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical substances that are crucial for the pre-frontal cortical area of the brain. (Think of it as "your secretary" in the executive part of your brain). The use of stimulants is effective for most ADHD children. Your doctor will help you determine the best medication and dosage for you. You may need to test different types of medication before you find the one that works best for you or your child.
You can take these stimulants in liquid or chewable tablet form. These medications are quick-acting and last for up to four hours. The "crash effect" can occur when the medication wears off. It is characterized by a sudden drop in energy levels and intense hunger. There are also stimulants that act long-lastingly like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine. They are more complex and require a prescription. They are injected into the bloodstream and are then converted from inactive active in red blood cells.
Finding the right dosage, medication and schedule for your child or yourself may take a lot of time. Your doctor will be monitoring your response to the medication and look for any problems such as trouble sleeping. They will also inform you about medications that are not stimulant in the event that you or your child aren't responding well to stimulants.
You should never alter or stop taking your ADHD medication without speaking to your doctor first. Inform your doctor if you use any prescription medications or supplements, as some can interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
For 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD stimulant medications work in reducing hyperactivity, interrupting behavior such as fidgeting, impulsivity and fidgeting. They also aid people to focus, finish tasks, and maintain relationships. They can't help with moodiness, or other troubling symptoms. They can also trigger negative side effects, such as sleepiness, loss of appetite and jitteriness. They may also cause stomachaches, changes in heart rhythm, and high blood pressure.
These medications work in phases to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. Most of these medications begin to work in 30 to 60 minutes. They disappear after 3 to 6 hours. They are often used in conjunction with other forms of ADHD treatment, such as behavioral therapy.
Some of these stimulants with long-acting effects like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine-ER (Intuniv) will last throughout the night and into the next morning. Some doctors recommend taking these in the afternoon to avoid patients from having to take additional medication during school or afterschool.
Long-acting stimulants do not increase dopamine levels in the same way as intermediate or short-acting drugs. However, they still increase dopamine levels significantly. This means that they don't produce the same kind of rebound effects that can occur with shorter-acting stimulants.
Long-acting stimulants, due to the potential for adverse reactions adhd stimulant medication they are typically prescribed as a last resort for adults with ADHD and teens who are older. But they can be utilized as a first-line treatment option for certain people with ADHD who haven't had a response to other medications.
While medication can improve concentration and self-control, it's not the whole answer for those with ADHD. With the help of a good night's sleep habits, healthy diets and other self-help strategies it's possible to decrease, or even eliminate, the need for ADHD medication.